Stop Living Like an ImposterMinta

Who are you? In Genesis 27 you read Isaac asking Jacob to confirm his identity. “Who is it?” “Are you really my son Esau?” The moment Jacob said “I am Esau”, was the moment he locked himself into the life of an imposter by pretending to be his brother. You may not be directly asked this question, but it is certainly something people wonder when they meet you. ‘Who are you?’ ‘Are you someone they can trust?’ ‘Are you someone they can count on?’ ‘Are you someone who cares? ‘ ‘Who are you? You say you are a Christ follower tell me what that means.’ ‘Who are you? You say you are someone with a purpose what is it?’ ‘’Who are you? You say you are loved by God who is He?’ You ask these questions of yourself, ‘Who am I?’ ‘Am I able to fulfill this dream?’ ‘Am I able to see this through?’ In this moment Jacob had the opportunity to say his name and run the risk of being caught in a lie but instead, he said, “I am Esau” and received a blessing that was not his. Jacobs's story was not one of external consequences, you will read in today's passage for the years to follow Jacob prospered. His land expanded. His household grew. His children were healthy. He had 12 sons and many daughters. His health is great. His wealth multiplied. However, although he experienced favour and blessing the consequence of his choices was one of internal compromise. He continually felt unworthy, paranoid of his brother's retaliation against him and distressed. The weight of living like an imposter was crushing and he was seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. As you read today's passages, ask yourself ‘Is external favour worth internal compromise?’ Do you feel you have compromised your character by pretending you are something or someone you are not? Imposter syndrome or in Jacob's case living the life of an Imposter, doesn’t just affect momentary decisions, but lifelong relationships. Deciding to simply be yourself, confident with who you are, and comfortable with what you have could save you years of feeling like Jacob did, unworthy of what you have received.